Chennai, India
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu formerly known as Madras is one of the most visited cities in India. The city being a coastal city on the Bay of Bengal is blessed with immaculate beaches. One cannot forget its numerous temples for which the city is well known for. All in all, Chennai offers a plethora of incredible things to do while on vacation in Chennai. Here’s my list of the best things to do in Chennai.
- Relax at Chennai’s best beaches
Chennai’s bucket list should ideally include the two best beaches in the city; Elliot Beach and Marina Beach.
- Elliot Beach
Elliot Beach is just perfect for some relaxation or for an early morning stroll. You can even grab a snack from the stalls located near the beach area. After a good stroll along the beach head off to see the Karl Schmidt Memorial, a memorial to honor a Dutch who has saved the lives of many from drowning.
- Marina Beach
Marina Beach, the longest beach in India is a stunning sandy beach in Chennai. Watching the sunrise or sunset is an exciting thing to do on the beach, while other exciting things include eating murukku or ice cream from a stall nearby and visiting the aquarium featuring beautiful sea creatures. If you are holidaying with your partner, this is an excellent location to spend a romantic evening.
- Visit Chennai’s marvelous temples
You will adore Chennai’s temples for sure. Their unique structures differentiate them from the other temples in the world, their styles varying from Cholas to Dravidian architectural styles. Make sure to visit some of the fascinating temples including Kapaleeswarar Temple, Varadaraja Temple, and Chayavaneashwara Temple.
- Kapaleeswarar Temple
You will notice that the structure reflects the Dravidian architectural style. Built by the King’s Vijayanagara, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can explore its many halls and intricate carvings while on tour.
- Varadaraja Temple
At Varadaraja Temple, you will have everything to explore from spectacular paintings, murals, and architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is spread over 23-acres.
- Chayavaneashwara Temple
Also dedicated to Lord Shiva, Chayavaneashwara Temple is also a significant temple in Chennai that should be visited. It is believed to have an association with Iyarpagai Nayanar, one of the 63 South Indian Nayamars.
- Visit the magnificent Ripon Building
If you get a chance to visit the Ripon Building, I suggest you to do so. It is a marvelous piece of work, incorporating a blend of Gothic, Neoclassical, and Corinthian architectural styles. You will find this stunning white building near the Chennai Central Railway Station. Check out the clock on the front wall which is famously known as the Westminster Chiming Clock.
Among other buildings to explore are the Senate House, Christ the King Church, and Vivekanandar Illam. You will be inspired by Chennai’s main attractions without a doubt and you will surely love its beautiful beaches above everything else.